How to Download Trail Index ?

[Anonymous]

(– by Colt #7288 –)

Hello,

So, I hooked up my Garmin Nuvi to lap top, but when I click on link of trail index to download, nothing happens, or it switches pages ?
Anywhere I can see step by step instructions on how to load the links to my gps ?

[Anonymous]

(– by pedro #2465 –)

The Trail Index will give you a PDF for each trail with description, etc. and a link to download a track. You will need a PDF reader like Adobe to open this file. Give it a read, check the cautions, etc.

Follow the link in the PDF file to get the GPX file as a ZIP file. Unzip it. The GPX file is a GPS track which shows you the path the trail follows.

To upload that to your GPS you need software to match the GPS. If you are using Garmin then Basecamp is a free download from the Garmin web site and it can open the GPX file you can click to send it to your GPS.

Note not all Nuvi models will accept uploads so you might want to check that your unit is capable before you download software and get it all set up.

[Anonymous]

(– by Colt #7288 –)

Why does the system keep asking you to re-log in everytime you click on a gps link ? ?

[Anonymous]

(– by Drizit #6240 –)

the authentication doesn't seem to carry forward, once you log in after clicking the link for me anyway it generally keeps me logged in for the next few hours.

[Anonymous]

(– by Colt #7288 –)

I had to redo every time. I got many saved now, just need to hook up my Garmin and see if it'll download on to it ? I guess I'll need an external sd card to put in to have room to download ? Hard drive probably doesn't have enough room to save these links ?

[Anonymous]

(– by Drizit #6240 –)

good chance you won't need one but it depends on how much free space your gps has. the gpx files are quite small.

Don't expect the best results with a Nuvi, I've been fighting with mine and so far all I can get to show is the start and finish points of the trails but no track.  You will need a program called "basecamp" it can be downloaded for free from the garmin web site.  Good luck and if you find a way to get the tracks to show up let me know.

[Anonymous]

(– by Colt #7288 –)

So, I have gpx files onto the Garmin. How do I put it into basecamp ? I did reverse, where I put from garmin inot basecamp, but not all uploaded to basecamp.
And how do I use basecamp to then in turn show the route while I'm on trail, so I don't make wrong turn, etc.. ?

If I go to import, it allows to to browse, but when I go to file, it doesn't show the gpx files for me to select them…

[Anonymous]

(– by Drizit #6240 –)

no idea, I had to use base cam to even get the ends to show up, I have not figured out how to get the track to show up at all so far.

[Anonymous]

(– by Colt #7288 –)

How about if BOD, posts a thread with point by point directions on how to actually use these  links, and how to download them with basecamp, etc, etc… ?

[Anonymous]

(– by moejeep #5369 –)

The way you use basecamp will depend on your GPS model, I don't know the specs on yours but I just upgraded from a Vista eTrex Cx, to a GPSMap 62s. The eTrex only held 20 tracks therefore I had to add and remove tracks, on my new one I can store 200.

The library is on your PC that is where you store the tracks (but remember to check the trail-index document before you leave)

The Device is your GPS, is should have the model name on the screen.

If you right click on a item (waypoint, track, or folder) there is a "send to" option.

As far as "not seeing the tracks", there is an option "show on map" on your device.
On my GPSMAP – track manager… select the track… show on map/hide on map
On my etrex – tracks… select the track… check box show on map

[Anonymous]

(– by Drizit #6240 –)

the Nuvi is their road going based gps, I have yet to find a "show on map" option for it.  I suspect it may not be there otherwise why bother with the more expensive, smaller, non touch screened "offroad/hiking" gps's  I suspect the real difference is the artificial limitations imposed by the manufacture. Also every gps manufacture and even different models will act differently.  A GPX file is just a standardized list of way points to make the track.  Google is your best bet for exactly how to do things with your GPS.  I've been playing with mine on and off for a week or so now and have spent probably a total of 2 or 3 hours learning how to get to the point i'm at.  It's not too involved.

[Anonymous]

(– by moejeep #5369 –)

Drizit, Colt,

What models of Nuvi do you have? 

I just a a looking at Nuvi spec from garmin. No where did it say that tracks where an option…

That could be an issue  :- 

let me know you models and I will look into it…

(but I do know someone with a etrex vista for sale, from what I have read so far it holds 20 more tracks then a nuvi  😉 )

[Anonymous]

(– by Colt #7288 –)

I have nuvi 255w

I managed to save gpx file on my laptop, then copied them all onto the garmin, and by way of computer, when garmin is connected to my laptop, and I find it and click to see what files are on the garmin, all of them show up.
But when I go thru the actual garmin and ask to find a location, and I click all address, only 10 of the over 20 gpx files show up there as locations I can choose for gps to take me too…
now thats another issue… why it shows on files that they're all there, but only 10 come up when navigating the actual garmin ?

So, you're saying the actual route from start to finish should show like a track line, automatically  when you choose it ?
hmm… maybe if in options, you have the track option turned off ?

[Anonymous]

(– by Colt #7288 –)

mine does have the show on map option, so you can see where it is before clicking GO, but doesn't show tracks… I'm going to turn on my tracks and see if it works…by track, I mean the option tht shows where you're going with other blue line besides the pink one of where you're suppose to go..

[Anonymous]

(– by Drizit #6240 –)

Lol, mine is a Nuvi 2595, I can get the start and end points of the tracks to show up in the "favorites" I suspect that's as far as I'll get.  I am using my android phone with "my tracks" to show the actual track. I am experimenting with a couple of other Android based options as well.  So far I have what I absolutely NEED now it's just about the nice to have stuff.

Colt I suspect the issue may be with the limitations of the older unit you have. if you don't have any tracks on it how meany addresses can you save?

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